Can't get my Viewsonic projector to project an image AND show image on my laptop screen

This will depend on the brand, model, cable connection type and OS of the laptop. Most have a color control which you can adjust.

The projector may have a menu function for flipping the image dependent on whether it is merely set on a desk, or mounted upside down on the ceiling. See the manual, printed or online.

Hmm.......

Are you comfortable accessing your display settings? What kind of video card do you have in your laptop?

Interestingly enough i simply rebooted and it workrd..... 4 hours of frustration solved by a simple task...

Check the power settings o nthe laptop, go to control panel, power options. see if its set to turn off the screen if theres no activity. I doubt this is your problem but worth a try. Going back to the viewsonic picture means its not getting a signal. So either the cable may be faulty which is less likely, or it is a software problem. Does the screen flicker on the laptop when doing the same thing (if the projector is not connected)?

Yes please.
You can connect it either thru the RCA Composite output(yellow) of your DVD or thru the S-Video or even thru the component out(YPbPR) connections. In the component out you would require three RCA cables and would give you the best possible picture.
Find a link below , which gives a review of the Viewsonic PJ 501.

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-projectors/viewsonic-pj501/4505-7858_7-20722971.html

Hope this clarfies.
Please do rate this solution and thanks for using FixYa!

Double check which menu item you are expecting to find the orientation. It might even be under 'image', 'settings', or its own button not in the menu, Jon.

Solution for Sharp projector

with the function button on the laptop and the lcd button, F5 for toshiba, the screen will display both sides. if not then give the details of ur laptop.

In short If the reds show as red, The greens show as green & Blue shows as blue. I would say thats as good as it can project. It's hard to judge color without seeing it for ones self but usually DLP projectors that use a colorwheel do not have perfect color.

From my experiences working with projectors, more than likely you will need to replace the lamp